Jaeger-LeCoultre takes you through an immersive journey showcasing nine decades of craftsmanship, inventiveness and design!
During May 10-19th, Jaeger-LeCoultre invites visitors to the heart of Sydney in Martin Place to embark on a journey in which they will be immersed in the world of Reverso. Termed ‘Reverso Stories’, it is an opportunity for visitors to plunge into the world of watchmaking, whereby nine decades of Jaeger-LeCoultre craftsmanship and design have gone through cultural and social change, all in the name of the Reverso timepiece.
For those that may be unfamilair with Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso beginnings, it all started in 1930 when buisnessman César de Trey was tasked upon with finding a way to protect the glass of a timepiece, so that it can be used by Polo players during matches. The ingenious solution developed by César de Trey was to create a watch over which the case could be flipped. He took the idea to Jacques-David LeCoultre to manufacture the watch, while René-Alfred Chauvot was engaged to design it!
‘Reverso Stories’
To showcase Reverso’s history, craftsmanship, innovation and design throughout the decades, Jaeger-LeCoultre is presenting this immersive experience in four chapters: Story of an Icon, Story of Style & Design, Story of Innovation and Story of Craftsmanship. The brand will display a collection of emblematic Reverso timepieces, which they state will consist of “rarely seen archive timepieces, modern-day High Jewellery and miniature-painted models to highlights of the current collection, along with the world’s first wristwatch with four functioning faces, the Reverso Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185 ‘Quadriptyque’”.
An impressive feature in this storytelling is the live demonstration presented alongside the exhibits. The demonstration will show visitors the decorative art of perlage, giving a deep insight into the finishing process that’s found on many luxury high end timepieces. This watchmaking process will rarely be seen by the public, so count yourself lucky if you get the chance!
If this isn’t enough to entice you to checkout ‘Reverso Stories’, the Jaeger-LeCoultre has chosen the Sydney edition of this exhibit as the global launch of three exceptional new timepieces. These limited-edition Reverso models will showcase the skills of enamelling, gold-leaf paillonage and gem-setting mastered by the Manufacture’s in-house Métiers RaresTM (Rare Handcrafts) atelier.
Made of Makers: A collaboration with multimedia artist Yiyun Kang
As visitors embark on their ‘Reverso Stories’ journey, they will first be treated to a multimedia installation titled “Origin”, commissioned from the Korean artist Yiyun Kang by Jaeger-LeCoultre under its Made of Makers programme.
The Made of Makers programme features a series of collaborations with artists, designers and craftsman all of whom are outside the world of watchmaking. The programme explores and highlights the a connection that we may take for granted, between horology and art. “Origin” is shown through a large three-dimensional screen, with it being as the brand describes it “a tribute to the ubiquity of the Golden Ratio in the world around us”.
The 1931 Café and the Boutique: A complete experience
In the midst of this exhibition experience is the spirit of Art Deco, which is shown through the 1931 Café. The 1931 Café allows visitors to take time out from the ‘Reverso Stories’ adventure and enjoy a complementary refreshment. Just two minutes walk from this exhibition, is the Jaeger-LeCoultre boutique, located at 84 King Street.
‘Reverso Stories’ Opening Hours and Admission
‘Reverso Stories’ will run from 10–19 May 2024 in Martin Place, Sydney CBD. It will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (5.00 p.m. on Sundays) and free to the public.
Guided tours, lasting approximately 20 minutes, are available.
Visitors may book online at https://online-booking.jaeger-lecoultre.com/atelier/94 or register upon arrival; walk-ins are also welcome!
